Lepus victoriae Thomas, 1893

Taxonomy and Size

The African savanna hare (Lepus victoriae Thomas, 1893) is a medium-sized hare. Adults grow between 41 and 58 cm (16 and 23 in) in length, and weigh between 1.5 and 3 kilograms (3.3 and 6.6 lb).

Ear and Dorsal Coloration

Its ears have black tips. The upper dorsal surface of its head and body is greyish-brown, while its flanks and limbs are reddish-brown, and its underparts are white.

Color Variation

Its overall colouring is richer in tone than that of other hares; individuals in mountain regions are a distinctly darker shade.

Tail Appearance

Its tail is black on the upper surface and white on the lower surface.

Distinguishing Features

This species is very similar in appearance to the Cape hare, but can be distinguished by its uniquely grooved incisors.

Habitat Range

The African savanna hare is native to a variety of regions and habitats across Africa, including savannas and the Sahel.

Country Distribution

It has been recorded in Algeria, Botswana, Burundi, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, the Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, and Zambia.